Gildernew launches equality impact assessment on rural anti poverty and social inclusion framework

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA is asking the public for their views on the equality impacts of the Rural Anti-Poverty and Social Inclusion Framework (EQIA).

The EQIA will ensure that everyone has an opportunity to consider how the proposed priorities, identified in the Framework, might impact upon them. This will examine the evidence from an equality viewpoint to ensure that groups who would not normally consider rural policies are able to identify how their interests and representatives or members may be impacted.

Calling for the public’s input, the Minister said: “In designing a framework to deliver this funding I have been very conscious that funding must reach those who are most in need, most vulnerable and most excluded from our society and rural communities.

“This Equality Impact Assessment will ensure that the equality issues, the impacts upon equality groups and how these have been identified are clear and understood.

“My officials will be spending the consultation period engaging with rural representatives to hear first hand how the framework could impact upon all sections of society who live in rural areas.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Programme for Government has made a commitment to address rural poverty and disadvantage and has allocated DARD a £10 million package to address these issues over the next three years.

2.The framework can be viewed at www.dardni.gov.uk/consultations archived section. To obtain a copy, or to request an alternative format e.g. in large print, Braille, disc, audiocassette and other languages, please contact;

3.The consultation will run for 8 weeks until 5^t June 2009, at the end of the consultation period copies of all comments received will be made available on the Department’s website.

4.All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, Tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.